Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy treat that captures fall in a jar, this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine spoonfuls of tender apples swirling in golden caramel with just a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg, all preserved to perfection for enjoying year-round. Whether you spread it thick on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or dollop it over ice cream, the comforting flavors in this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe simply melt into everything they touch—warm, inviting, and impossible to resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Apples:
- 6 cups finely chopped peeled apples (about 6 medium apples)
Jam Base:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package powdered fruit pectin (1.75 ounces)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional:
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
How to Make Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Jars
Before diving into apple and spice heaven, make sure your canning jars are squeaky clean and sterilized. Wash them well, then simmer them in a big pot of boiling water. Leave them in the hot water to keep warm until you’re ready to fill—this step keeps your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe safe for long-term storage and helps prevent unexpected cracks when you pour in the piping-hot jam.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Grab a heavy-bottomed pot and combine your chopped apples, water, and bright lemon juice. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then turn it down to a simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir often, and let the apples soften and release their fragrant juices. You’ll spot the apples turning translucent and tender—exactly what you want for that perfect Caramel Apple Jam Recipe texture!
Step 3: Add the Pectin
Sprinkle in the powdered fruit pectin and crank the heat back up. Stir it in well, making sure it dissolves completely. Once that’s sorted, bring everything back up to a rolling boil. Pectin is your secret weapon here, giving your jam the signature “spoonable but spreadable” consistency that’s truly irresistible.
Step 4: Sweeten and Spice
Time to add some magic—pour in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir constantly as the sugar dissolves and everything mingles together. Bring it all to the fiercest boil you can’t stir down for one full minute. This rapid boil is what helps activate the pectin and ensures a thick, luscious jam, while the spices infuse every bite with those warm, homey notes characteristic of the Caramel Apple Jam Recipe.
Step 5: Finish with Caramel
Take the pot off the heat, and if you’re after extra decadent flavor, stir in the caramel sauce. You can adjust the amount depending on how boldly you want that caramel ribbon to shine. Skim off any foamy bubbles on top to keep your jam looking clear and beautiful in the jars.
Step 6: Fill and Seal Jars
Ladle the hot jam into your prepared jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace. Wipe the jar rims clean (a paper towel dipped in warm water works perfectly), then apply the lids and screw bands just finger-tight. Pop the jars into a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they’re sealed and safe for storage.
Step 7: Cool and Store
Carefully remove each jar and set them on a kitchen towel to cool. As they cool completely, you’ll hear the satisfying pop of successful seals. Double check each lid before putting away your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe stash—store any unsealed jars in the fridge to enjoy right away.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little panache to your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe, try a light sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts just before serving. A tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on top also highlights the caramel notes, or you can add a dollop of freshly whipped cream if you’re feeling fancy.
Side Dishes
This jam is pure joy when spread on buttery biscuits or warm, crusty toast. For brunch, swirl it through creamy Greek yogurt, serve atop pancakes or waffles, or even use it as a sweet filling in thumbprint cookies. A slice of sharp cheddar alongside echoes the classic apple-cheese combo and is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe makes a gorgeous gift! Spoon it into pretty mason jars tied with ribbon for holiday baskets, or serve it as part of a breakfast board with assorted breads, cheeses, and fruits. For a showstopping dessert, try layering it between cake layers or drizzling it over ice cream for a caramel-apple sundae twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once opened, keep your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe jar in the refrigerator tightly sealed. It will stay fresh for up to three weeks, so you can dip in for a spoonful of fall flavor whenever the mood strikes. Always use a clean spoon to keep the jam pristine and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to make a big batch and enjoy it months later, you can freeze the jam! After canning and cooling, simply make sure your jars are freezer-safe, and stash them in the freezer for up to a year. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving—flavor and texture stay wonderfully intact.
Reheating
If your jam thickens in the fridge or after freezing, a quick warm-up does the trick. Transfer the desired amount to a small bowl and microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring between each until it’s glossy and spreadable. Just don’t overheat, as you want to preserve that luscious jam texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Condiment, Preserves
Absolutely! Mixing several apple types adds dimension to your Caramel Apple Jam Recipe. Crisp, tart apples (like Granny Smith) bring brightness, while sweeter varieties (like Fuji or Gala) add natural sweetness and flavor depth.
What if I don’t have powdered fruit pectin?
If you don’t have powdered pectin, you can use liquid pectin, but refer to its package instructions for when to add it to the jam. Alternatively, apples naturally contain some pectin, but your jam may be softer set without additional pectin.
Is it necessary to add the caramel sauce?
The caramel sauce is optional, but it’s what sets this Caramel Apple Jam Recipe apart! If you prefer a lighter caramel note, use less or leave it out—though for the richest, most indulgent flavor, go ahead and add the full amount.
Can I make this recipe without canning?
Yes! If you skip the water bath canning, simply store cooled jam in airtight jars in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks. The canning step is just for long-term shelf storage, but fridge jam is every bit as delicious.
How do I know if my jars have sealed properly?
Listen for a popping sound as the jars cool. A properly sealed lid will not flex up and down when pressed in the center. If a jar didn’t seal, keep it in the fridge and enjoy it first!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so wonderful about tucking away jars of homemade Caramel Apple Jam Recipe to brighten breakfast or add a special twist to desserts all year. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this jam as I do—give it a try, and let your kitchen fill up with the irresistible scent and flavor of caramel apples!
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Caramel Apple Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 half-pint jars 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Caramel Apple Jam recipe. Perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or even using as a filling for pastries, this jam captures the essence of caramel-dipped apples in a delightful spread.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 6 cups finely chopped peeled apples (about 6 medium apples)
Jam Base:
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package powdered fruit pectin (1.75 ounces)
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Optional:
- 1/4 cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prepare Canning Jars: Wash and sterilize canning jars. Keep warm.
- Cook Apples: In a pot, combine apples, water, and lemon juice. Simmer until softened.
- Add Pectin and Sugars: Stir in pectin, sugars, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Boil until thickened.
- Finish Jam: Remove from heat, stir in caramel sauce. Ladle into jars, process in boiling water.
- Seal Jars: Wipe rims, apply lids, process in water bath, cool, and store.
Notes
- For best results, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
- To enhance caramel flavor, increase caramel sauce to 1/2 cup.
- Refrigerate opened jars and use within 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Preserves
- Method: Canning, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
